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The European Federation of Envelope Manufacturers (FEPE) has joined the EU initiative to increase paper and board collection and improve recyclability.

The firm is the fourteenth sector to have pledged support to the European Declaration on Paper Recycling of the European Recovered Paper Council (ERPC).

Jori Ringman, recycling and product director, CEPI, and ERPC secretary, said: "FEPE’s membership in ERPC reinforces the approach that we have to get all the major players along the paper value chain to discuss issues together.

"When first produced at a paper mill, paper is 100% recyclable, but all the conversion and printing by other sectors downstream have a major impact on how recyclable the final product is.

"Applying principles of eco-design this can be done in a cost efficient way."

The Declaration aims to increase Europe’s recycling rate to 66% by 2010, up from the current 63.4%.

Ringman said: "We believe the target is ambitious - it would maintain Europe's leadership in paper recycling globally amongst the global regions.

"But with the chain approach towards eco-design by all relevant actors, we believe this can be achieved."

The Declaration focuses on complementary actions by the sectors involved and gives priority to the prevention of waste and improving recyclability.

It hopes to raise public awareness and focus on responsibly sourcing.